“I’m bored!!!!!!”
This is the rallying cry for kids but Blue Hills Reservation offers solutions in any season! Whether you live in or are visiting Greater Boston, a trip to this state park should be on your list.
The Blue Hills Reservation is 20 minutes south of Boston and has captivated people of all ages for over a century. The woods, fields, and vistas offer beautiful views that extend over 7000 acres spread out over five towns. Once you start exploring, you’ll quickly discover that there’s something for everyone.
Swimming
The beach at Houghton’s Pond is the one of the best swimming holes south of Boston, and a great place to get your feet wet. If you have young children, you’ll appreciate that the swimming area keeps them from venturing out too deep — there’s even a separate beach area where toddlers can splash in peace. You can bring a picnic or grab refreshments at the snack bar. On weekends, the main parking lot fills up. So, come early, or if you don’t mind a 10-15 minute walk to the beach, park at one of the overflow lots on Blue Hill River Road.
Houghton’s Pond via The Friends of the Blue Hills Facebook page.
Nature and Wildlife
Bring your family to visit both the Blue Hills Trailside Museum and Blue Hill Observatory in the same trip. At the museum you’ll find indoor and outdoor exhibits featuring live animals, local wildlife, and a variety of history of the area.
Photo by Tiffany Mohamed
Hike up the summit of Great Blue, where you’ll find the Blue Hill Observatory, the oldest continuous weather record in North America. There are lots of tour options and specialty events that will please scientists of all ages.
Hiking
There are lots of ways to explore the Blue Hills Reservation on foot. Easy hikes include the 2.5 mile Wolcott and Border Path or the Houghton’s Pond Loop. For those looking for those stunning views from the summit. Great Blue Hill may be the largest hill in the Blue Hills chain, but the trail itself is just a moderate climb. The challenging Skyline Loop Trail offers up three summits in one hike. It may not be
Nearby, Quincy Quarries offers another set of spectacular views of Boston. Kids and adults can watch as rock climbers scale the steep cliffs, and it’s an ideal picnic spot. On one of the short paths towards the back of the Quarries, you’ll find the historic remnants of The Granite Railway, one of the first railroads in the United States. For a collection of great photos and to learn more about the Quarries’ history, check out the virtual Quincy Quarries and Granite Workers Museum.
The Friends of the Blue Hills is a non-profit organization devoted to preserving and protecting the Blue Hills Reservation’s natural beauty, diverse natural habitats and many recreational opportunities. Check them out for hikes near Boston and upcoming events in the Blue Hills.
Winter Sports
Blue Hills Ski Area is the closest ski area to a city center in the United States and an unbeatable place to take the family! From lessons for first-timers to a robust race program to night skiing, you’ll be able to enjoy all of winter’s offering close to Metro Boston. Tubing is also available for families who want to enjoy the snow without getting on skis. Weekends sell out for tubing so be sure to get your advance tickets.
Even though Blue Hills Reservation is relatively small compared to a lot of other recreation areas, it offers a great variety of winter trails. There are places for snowshoeing, cross country skiing, and even sledding.
This blog was updated Fall 2025.
